China’s Pollution Is Killing The Last Of Its River Porpoises.
By Jim • Apr 24th, 2008 • Category: Latest Green News
The planet’s last river-dwelling finless porpoises are dying from exposure to insecticides and mercury in China, a new study says.
The mammals had already been declining as their natural habitat in and around the Yangtze River deteriorated.
In the new research, scientists also found high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other pollutants in the organs of porpoises found in central China’s Dongting Hu Lake, which is connected to the Yangtze.
“In recent decades the [Yangtze finless porpoise] population decreased sharply each year by approximately 7.3 percent because of human activities on the river, including fishing, pollution, transportation, and dam construction,” said lead study author Wang Ding of China’s Institute of Hydrobiology.
A recent census turned up just 1,800 porpoises, and Wang warned that “the Yangtze finless porpoise will become extinct within 24 to 94 years if no protective measures are taken.”
The baiji, a Chinese freshwater dolphin that also lived in the Yangtze, was declared extinct in December 2007.
Jim is a full time video games journalist/geek, and the recent birth of his son has made him rethink his entire attitude regarding the environment and the future of the planet. Jim is MYG's resident news hound, so if you have a story please drop him an email.
Email this author | All posts by Jim
